Federer shows his genius at US Open

Roger Federer lit up the opening day of the US Open with another moment of sheer genius during his first-round victory at Flushing Meadows.

Federer had won the first set against Argentina's Brian Dabul and was 5-3 up in the second when he conjured up a winner from between his legs with his back to the court.

Dabul looked to have played the perfect lob which landed just inside the baseline, but Federer came up with a mirror image of his famous winner in his semi-final against Novak Djokovic last year.

The world number two achieved a standing ovation from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, while a wave of his arms suggested Federer could not believe the shot himself.

To his credit, world number 96 Dabul saved five break points in that game and four in his previous service game before Federer eventually served out for the set on his way to a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory in 93 minutes.

Speaking about the shot between his legs, Federer said: "I thought I was a bit late and had to give it one last push to get there but thought I could do this again.

"It's different because Novak was at the net but I've only hit a few in my life and to do two on Centre Court in night sessions is amazing."